Ceramic Abstraction and Raw Material Sourcing with Kate
Reimagine the possibilities of ceramics with multidisciplinary designer Kate in Vancouver. Source local clay from the Fraser River, craft sculptural ceramic pieces, and develop your own custom glazes as you practice zero-waste studio techniques. Beyond the studio, immerse yourself in Vancouver’s multicultural artistic community and explore British Columbia’s fairytale landscapes ranging from temperate rainforests to rocky coasts and alpine peaks.
- Snacks, Coffee, & Tea
Pricing
- One Guest
- USD $1955
- Additional guest(s) (max 2)
- USD $600
Meet the Artist
Kate is a multidisciplinary designer based in Vancouver, exploring the intersections of ceramics, painting, and public art. Deeply inspired by the natural beauty of British Columbia, she grew up playing with clay from Vancouver's Fraser River. This material sparked her lifelong fascination with the transformative power of clay. Today, she works at an international scale, with projects spanning residencies, installations, and collaborations, including a recent project with a neuroscientist in Berlin exploring the intersections of neuroscience and visual perception.
Influenced by Bauhaus design principles and the natural landscape around her, she transforms utilitarian objects like mugs and tableware into timeless works of art. She adapts the historical practice of raw material sourcing for an urban context by using clay from Vancouver's construction sites, embodying her commitment to sustainability and zero-waste production. Her signature wheel-thrown ceramics feature vibrant glazes made from personal recipes, including Neodymium Earth Minerals, which explore how light and perception interact with color.
For Kate, clay is a timeless medium that captures the traces of human touch, transforming them into lasting relics. Passionate about mentoring and teaching, Kate views education as a collaborative dialogue and looks forward to fostering an environment where you can uncover your creative voice while learning from her innovative approaches.
Influenced by Bauhaus design principles and the natural landscape around her, she transforms utilitarian objects like mugs and tableware into timeless works of art. She adapts the historical practice of raw material sourcing for an urban context by using clay from Vancouver's construction sites, embodying her commitment to sustainability and zero-waste production. Her signature wheel-thrown ceramics feature vibrant glazes made from personal recipes, including Neodymium Earth Minerals, which explore how light and perception interact with color.
For Kate, clay is a timeless medium that captures the traces of human touch, transforming them into lasting relics. Passionate about mentoring and teaching, Kate views education as a collaborative dialogue and looks forward to fostering an environment where you can uncover your creative voice while learning from her innovative approaches.
VAWAA Includes:
- Experience the entire ceramic process, from sourcing local clay to creating custom glazes and sculptural works.
- Introduction to clay preparation, wedging techniques, and studio safety practices.
- Collect raw clay samples from Vancouver’s Fraser River, exploring natural material sourcing.
- Discuss and practice zero-waste studio techniques, focusing on recycling clay.
- Learn wheel-throwing basic forms like bowls and cups, then progress to refining and assembling complex forms such as vases or jars.
- For advanced learners, create multi-part sculptural pieces combining functional and artistic elements.
- Dive into glaze application and chemistry, crafting custom glazes using rare earth minerals like Neodymium to explore light and perception effects.
- Visit the Vancouver Museum, Polygon Gallery, or gallery walk at Wil Aballe Art Projects for a tour of ceramic art in historical and contemporary contexts.
- Enjoy an inspiring lunch with local artists.
- Spend time sketching or journaling at a scenic Vancouver beach or forest, then experience a meditative wheel-throwing session with soft music in the studio.
- Basic materials such as clay, tools, and glazes are included. Extra materials, firing, and shipping of finished pieces are available for an additional fee.
Explore Vancouver
Vancouver, set against the stunning backdrop of the Pacific Ocean and the North Shore Mountains, is a cultural crossroads where nature and creativity collide. Known for its thriving arts scene, the city boasts world-class institutions like the Vancouver Art Gallery alongside the Mount Pleasant neighborhood's vibrant public art and indie galleries. As one of Canada's densest and most multicultural cities, Vancouver's many events, like the Folk Music Festival, City of Bhangra Dance Festival, and International Film Festival, celebrate its rich heritage while promoting cultural exchange. Just beyond the urban landscape, you'll find British Columbia's rich natural offerings—lush rainforests, rugged mountains, and serene parks waiting to be explored.
Kate's ceramics are deeply connected to this unique environment. By sourcing local clay and materials, her work reflects Vancouver's natural beauty and sustainability ethos. Kate celebrates the region's beauty through her craft while contributing to the local economy.
Kate's ceramics are deeply connected to this unique environment. By sourcing local clay and materials, her work reflects Vancouver's natural beauty and sustainability ethos. Kate celebrates the region's beauty through her craft while contributing to the local economy.
Additional Details
The best time to visit Vancouver is from late spring to early fall (May to September) when the weather is mild, and outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and exploring Stanley Park are at their peak. Winter (November to February) brings frequent rain, making it less ideal unless you're heading to nearby ski destinations like Whistler. However, the city’s holiday charm and cozy indoor attractions can still make it a pleasant off-season escape.
This session is not available for a longer duration. Adults 18 years and older are welcome to participate. This session can be adapted for people with physical limitations. Please add a note in your booking request.
Kate speaks English and French.
This session is not available for a longer duration. Adults 18 years and older are welcome to participate. This session can be adapted for people with physical limitations. Please add a note in your booking request.
Kate speaks English and French.